This moist, cinnamon-spiced bread brings cozy comfort with every slice. I love how simple pantry ingredients come together into a soft, flavorful loaf—perfect for breakfast, snack, or a sweet treat any time of day. It fills the kitchen with that warm baked aroma I can’t resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m a big fan of how applesauce keeps this bread irresistibly tender while also cutting down on added fat. The hint of cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering. It’s economical to make, uses one bowl, and feels a little nostalgic—like hugs in loaf form. Plus, my family devours it within days!

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Large eggs
Vanilla extract
Unsweetened applesauce
Chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease a 9 × 5‑inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with applesauce, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Fold in chopped walnuts, if using.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50–60 minutes
Total time: approx. 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Whole wheat twist: Replace half the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition.
Fruit and nut combo: Stir in ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries along with walnuts.
Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free-friendly.
Spice it up: Add ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg or allspice for extra depth.
Oil swap: Replace butter with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil for a different texture (I’ve tried both and love the moist crumb)

Storage/reheating

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Wrap in plastic or foil; stays fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Slice and freeze in an airtight container or foil-wrapped loaf; lasts up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Reheating: Warm a slice in the microwave for ~20 seconds or lightly toast it—delicious with a smear of butter!

FAQs

What can I substitute for butter?

I sometimes swap softened butter for vegetable oil or coconut oil. Both work well, keeping the bread moist and flavorful—coconut oil adds a slight tropical hint.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Absolutely. I often use ¾ cup sugar instead of a full cup. The applesauce adds natural sweetness, so reducing sugar still gives a tasty loaf.

Can I use homemade applesauce?

Yes! I use homemade unsweetened applesauce all the time. Just make sure it’s not too watery—strained or thick is best.

Does it freeze well?

Definitely. I freeze slices individually so it's easy to grab one at a time. It thaws quickly at room temperature or with a brief zap in the microwave.

What other mix‑ins work well?

Chopped nuts, raisins, dried cranberries, or even a handful of chocolate chips pair beautifully. Add-ins create fun texture and flavor twists.

Conclusion

I love how this applesauce bread is both easy and comforting—perfectly moist with that warm spice aroma that makes any moment feel cozy. Whether I enjoy it plain, toasted, or with a spread of cream cheese or butter, it’s consistently a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a simple, feel-good baking project, this bread has your name on it. Happy baking!

Applesauce Bread

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 slices
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This moist, cinnamon-spiced applesauce bread is easy to make and offers cozy comfort in every bite. It's perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, and comes together with simple pantry ingredients in one bowl.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease a 9 × 5‑inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with applesauce, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Fold in chopped walnuts, if using.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.